Ben Whishaw has gone to the head of the Q in the new Bond film after movie bosses confirmed he will play 007's gadget guru in Skyfall.

The actor is much younger than previous stars who played the man whose job it is to keep Bond equipped with the latest ingenious technology.

John Cleese played the part in recent films after taking over from Desmond Llewelyn, who starred in 17 films.

Producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli said: "It's a real thrill to confirm the return of Q in Skyfall played by the enormously talented Ben Whishaw. We are delighted to have this beloved character back in the series."

Whishaw, who was recently seen playing the title role in the BBC production of Richard II, joins a cast including leading man Daniel Craig, Albert Finney, Ralph Fiennes, Javier Bardem and Dame Judi Dench, who plays spy boss M.

The Bond girls are played by Naomie Harris, who plays an agent called Eve, and French actress Berenice Marlohe.

The film, which opens in the UK and Ireland on October 26, has been filmed on location including in London, Turkey and Scotland.

Speaking earlier this year, Whishaw said he does not share Q's fondness for high-tech gadgetry.

He told the Press Association he was "sworn to secrecy" about the role and said: "I just bought a new film camera which I'm really enjoying using, it's about as technical as I get".